76 PRACTICAL LANDSCAPE GARDENING 



hard to get an equal distribution. The seeding should be done in 

 two directions, dividing the seed into two lots, one lot being sown 

 at a right angle to the other. After sowing, the seed should be 

 covered to a depth of about one-quarter of an inch; this may be 

 done by raking the surface lightly. The ground should then be 

 rolled with a light roller. When the young grass is about one and 

 one-half inches high it should be rolled again and the first cutting 

 made when about two inches high. The machine should be set 

 quite high for the first cutting. All bare and thin places should 

 be promptly reseeded. 



The lawn having been thoroughly estabhshed it is very essential 

 that careful and systematic attention be given to the upkeep; other- 

 wise it will deteriorate very quickly. 



Weeds are always a menace and, linked with Fall Grass, should 

 be continually fought against. Newly made lawns often contain 

 many weeds of an annual nature which disappear after a few cut- 

 tings. The perennial weeds are persistent and can only be effective- 

 ly removed by hand. The dandelion and plantain are exceedingly 

 troublesome and must be removed, root and top. This may be 

 done with a sharp chisel or a three-pronged fork. Weeding 

 forks for this purpose are to be had at all seed stores. Boys can 

 usually be hacl to do this work at the rate of a few cents per 

 hundred. 



During moist weather, when the grass is making vigorous 

 growth, it should be cut about once in a week and an occasional 

 rolling will help greatly to keep the surface firm. Grass does poorly 

 on a loose surface. In hot, dry weather the blades in the machine 

 should be raised so that the grass will be left of sufficient length 

 to afford some protection to the roots. Too close cutting during 

 Midsummer weakens the turf and makes it more susceptible to the 

 inroads of Fall grass. 



Every Spring a fertilizer should be applied that will supply per 

 acre one hundred pounds of potash and fifty pounds of available 

 phosphoric acid. Appl}' at the same time a top dressing of three 

 hundred pounds of nitrate of soda. The nitrate should be applied 

 again at the end of June, using one hundred pounds to the acre. 

 Such fertihzers are to be preferred to stable manures, as they 

 are less offensive, require less labor to apply, and are free of weed 

 seeds. 



It is possible sometimes to renovate a wornout lawn without 



